Belt of Truth

Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV) "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn-bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.”

What Truth is Revealed? We are warned about an infiltration into the church by false prophets by Jesus, the Apostles, Paul, John and Peter. These four arguably form the most authoritative voices of the New Testament and all of them warn us about false prophets and teachers. Considering who has warned us, “we” (followers of Christ) should take heed!

What is the Command/Wisdom or Promise? The greatest threat to the Church is not opposition or persecution that comes from those who are outside the Church. The greatest threat is for a wolf in sheep’s clothing to infiltrate our circle of fellowship and do damage from the inside. So, how can we identify a wolf? According to Jesus, “You will know them by their fruits.” What will the fruit of a false prophet or teacher look like?

Likely to teach another gospel. (Galatians 1:6-9) (2 Timothy 4:3,4)

Likely to create division by leading people into rebellion. (2 Timothy 3:6-13)

Lack of Godly humility and love.

Ever-seeking recognition and power.

What Does This Mean to Me and What Action Should I Take? There are some compromises that cannot be made. We must teach the Bible without compromise; and we must resist the vain philosophies of man and the never-ending waves of false doctrine. We must call out those that create division and strive to walk in humility and love. We do not want “our” church to be a place where wolves are comfortable!

Questions to Consider:

Have you ever lived through a church split? (What collateral damage did you observe?)

Can you think of a modern day false prophet or teacher? (Why is it hard for “us” to identify the wolves among us?)

Most power grabs in the church are represented as a righteous cause; but lack in both love and humility. How do we know if we are following the “right” leadership?